Page 23 - Valley Life & Health

THE MORNING CALL SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019 23

Martin J. Jandris, PFC
World War ll
Cannon Co., 324th Inf; 44th Div
Cannoneer 844; Combat Infantryman
Service Dates: 5/44 to 7/15/45
Northampton, PA

My father, aka “Marty” (7/28/23-7/16/04), was a quiet man and spoke little of the war,
except to other military members. When told he was our hero, he denied it: “The
heroes didn’t come home, or they came home wounded.”
Raised during the Depression by working-class immigrants, he was very intelligent,
but from a large, poor family, so no college for him; he had to help support the family.
His father, Martin, Sr. was a laborer at Atlas Cement Co. My Dad made his living working
difficult swing-shifts at Bethlehem Steel’s Blast Furnaces, where he retired as a foreman.
He was the most honorable and beloved man I’ve ever known. He provided
materially and spiritually, as an example to his whole family, and carried his many
crosses honorably all his life.

Christine Rosati

Ray P. Miller
World War ll
US Navy, Korean War Veteran 1950-1955
Petty Officer Third Class
What a beautiful example of a life well lived, one full of purpose, where love for God,
family and country was so evident. Dad was about serving others, not self. He was the
youngest in a loving family of 11, raised during the Great Depression. Dad joined the
Naval Reserves, and two days after high school graduation was sworn in, heading off
to Great Lakes, IL. Ten days later, while in basic training, the Korean War broke out.
Dad was a submariner, 3rd Class Petty Officer, where he ran inspections aboard
the Fulton smoothly and flawlessly. He was also a Captain’s Orderly, where anyone
needing to see the Captain had to go through Dad first. Some storms conjured up
90 to 100-foot waves. When the Captain said, “Miller, take over,” Dad was thrilled to
navigate the ship! During a drill, gunpowder entered Dad’s ear, causing a dangerous
infection, terrible swelling, and pain which eventually subsided. During a 30-day leave,
Dad met the love of his life. Three years later, they married and started a family.
Dad worked hard and enjoyed family times. He went to be with his Savior in his
heavenly home on November 24, 2017. Not a day goes by that he is not missed and
lovingly remembered. His words of wisdom, gentleness, understanding, grace and love
are treasures in our lives, as is his sense of humor which lightened our loads. Dad truly
lived his life in a way that pointed others to Christ. We are forever grateful, and Dad
will forever be our hero.
Rosemary Plarr

1st Lt. Sterling P. Hoch
World War ll, United States Army Air Forces

Sterling Hoch was born April 3, 1918 in Catasauqua, PA, and passed away January
31, 1999. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 16, 1941, serving with the 28th
Infantry Division, achieving the rank of Corporal. In September 1942, he was assigned
to the San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center for pilot training.
He graduated as a rated pilot in June 1943, and commissioned as a 2nd
Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 397th Bombardment Group at MacDill Field in
Tampa, FL where he underwent training on the Martin B-26 Marauder, commonly
referred to as “The Widow Maker”.
His unit went overseas to RAF Rivenhall in Essex, England, where they undertook
missions against Nazi Germany in the ETO. They flew on D-Day against Utah Beach,
and later, in the Battle of the Bulge.
Lt. Hoch piloted 65 missions before being reassigned back to the United States,
where he served for a short period of time as an instructor pilot. He was detached
from active service in June 1945. He was awarded the Air Medal with twelve Oak
Leaf Clusters.
Donald Hoch